J&K police halves security of separatist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from 16 to 8 personnel

Srinagar: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday downgraded the security cover given to senior separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.

Sources in the state Security Department said his security cover has been halved from 16 personnel to 8.

The sources said the process of downgrading the security of the Mirwaiz had started immediately after Deputy Superintendent of Police, Muhammad Ayub Pandit was lynched by a mob in Nowhatta area here during the holy night of `Shab-e-Qadir` when the officer was doing security duty for the devo tees.

The Mirwaiz was reportedly delivering a sermon inside the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area when the incident happened on June 23.

"A DSP-level officer deputed on security of the Mirwaiz has also been withdrawn," a source said.

The Mirwaiz has told reporters that he never asked for the security cover and the government was at liberty to remove all personnel deployed on his security.